Hi everyone,

Long time no blog. Just back from vacation and Client Visits and catching up on my reading and thought I'd say hi. Looks like I haven't missed too much judging from this list compiled by HR Solutions on the recurring themes in employee surveys:

1. Higher salaries – pay is the number one area in which employees seek change. Duh! And change doesn't mean downward!
2. Internal pay equity, particularly having concerns with “pay compression” (the differential in pay between new and more tenured employees). Isn't it true that this is the age of the free agents? Why don't those concerned just find a new job and keep up?
3. Benefits programs, particularly health/dental, retirement, and Paid Time Off/vacation days. Specifically, many employees feel that their health insurance costs too much, especially prescription drug programs. Ok, here's where a bit of communication can really make a difference. This is a national crisis and not just a case of bad benefits from the evil employer.
4. “Over-management” (A common phrase seen in employee comments is “Too many chiefs, not enough Indians”). My thoughts on this one is that companies find value in more experienced talent but can't support the rise in salaries and the cost of Indians.
5. Pay increase guidelines should place greater emphasis on merit. Duh!
6. The Human Resource department needs to be more responsive to their questions and/or concerns. Guys-- c'mon.
7. Favoritism. Always was, always will be, it's time to grow up.
8. Improved communication and availability (both from their supervisors and upper management). What they really mean is "hey, listen to me... I matter-- they don't mean more memo's"
9. Workloads are too heavy and/or departments are understaffed. That's because the Indians are missing.
10. Facility cleanliness. Finally- the one thing I was surprised by.


Well, that's about it for now. Go take care of number 6!